Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/212

 204 Soilttnrii ll'ixtoi-n-nl Sor'n't;/

coming from Confederate sources, but from the officers of the United States themselves.

SHOW THEM UP.

Lay all these matters fully before the people who are now called on to join these ferocious persecutors in the destruction of this nation, where all religions and all nationalities meet equal justice and pro- tection both from the people and from the laws.

These views may be urged by any proper means you can devise; through the press, by mixing with the people themselves, and by disseminating the facts amongst persons who have influence with the people.

The laws of England must be strictly respected and obeyed by you. While prudence dictates that you should not reveal your agency, nor the purpose for which you go abroad, it is not desired nor expected that you use any dishonest disguise or false pretences. Your mission is, although secret, honorable, and the means employed must be such as this government may fearlessly avow and openly justify, if your conduct should ever be called into question. On this point there must be no room whatever for doubt or cavil.

AS TO COMPENSATION.

The government expects much from your zeal, activity and dis- cretion. You will be furnished with letters of introduction to our agent abroad. You will receive the same pay as you now get as first lieutenant of cavalry, namely, twenty-one pounds per month, being about equal to one hundred dollars. Your passage to and from Europe will be provided by this department. If you need any small sums for disbursements of expenses connected with your duties, such as cost of printing and the like, you will apply to the agent to whom I give you a letter, and who will provide the funds, if he ap- proves the expenditure.

You will report your proceedings to this department through the agent to whom your letter of introduction is addressed, as often, at least, as once a month.

I am, sir, respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

J. P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of State. Lieut. J. L. Capston, etc.